Production
Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 3.5.1
The Archers
The Archers is the longest running soap opera in the world and is broadcast on BBC Radio Four.
The Archers
- The Archers has been broadcasting episodes for over 65 years and has acquired over 5 million listeners globally.
- The Archers started broadcasting in 1951.
- There are six episodes a week with an omnibus on a Sunday.
Ambridge
- The Archers is set in a fictional farming area known as Ambridge and follows several different characters who live within this community.
- The tagline for the soap opera is ‘contemporary drama in a rural setting’.
Original purpose
- Originally The Archers was created to educate farmers in a covert way to increase food production after WW2.
- The Ministry of Agriculture could use this platform to communicate important information through the storylines to farmers.
The narrative
- The Archers narrative is based on real life situations.
- The Archers happens in real time, meaning its narratives reflect social and cultural events when it is broadcast.
- For example one of the characters, Pip, discusses issues surrounding being a working mum while she is pregnant, reflecting contemporary culture.
Other examples
- Other topical subjects that have been included into The Archers storyline include:
- Brexit.
- 9/11.
- The death of Princess Margaret.
- The foot and mouth crisis of 2001.
Producing The Archers
The Archers is broadcast on the BBC which is a public service broadcaster. The Archers is produced on tight schedules because of its desire to reflect real life.
The BBC
- The Archers is broadcast on the BBC which is a public service broadcaster.
- The BBC is regulated by Ofcom and has to comply with the broadcasting code.
- As a public service broadcaster, it needs to provide an impartial and trusted news source with UK-originated programmes and distinctive content for the UK public.
Funding the BBC
- The BBC is funded in an unique way through the TV license.
- Each household is required to pay £150.50 each year for a colour TV license and this is a law under the Communications Act 2003 and Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004.
Adverts
- As the BBC is paid for by the TV license, it does not have adverts.
- The BBC has a remit to educate, inform and entertain through the content it provides.
Writing cycle
- The Archers is produced on tight schedules because of its desire to reflect real life.
- Long term planning is needed so the production team plan the storylines biannually.
- Four writer’s meet monthly and produce a week’s worth of scripts each.
Production cycle
- Episodes are recorded every four weeks and the actors are employed for 6 days at a time.
- During this time they record 24 episodes and each 13 minute episode is allocated two hours of recording time.
- It is then 3-6 weeks after when the episodes are broadcast.